Sharing is caring!

Maple Apple Butter (Stovetop Recipe)

When autumn rolls around, apple butter is always at the top of my list of cozy recipes to make. But this Maple Apple Butter is something truly special—it combines the sweetness of apples with the rich, earthy flavor of pure maple syrup.

The result is a smooth, velvety spread that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, oatmeal, and even as a glaze for meats.

Unlike store-bought spreads, this homemade apple butter is naturally flavored and cooked slowly on the stovetop, filling your home with the warm aromas of apples, cinnamon, and maple. It’s comfort in a jar!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Apple Butter

• Naturally Sweetened – Maple syrup adds depth and richness without being overly sweet.
• Versatile Spread – Perfect for breakfast, baking, or holiday gifts.
• Stovetop Friendly – No slow cooker or canning required, though you can preserve it if you like.
• Homemade Goodness – Fresh apples and pure ingredients mean you know exactly what’s inside.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith works best), peeled, cored, and chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cook the Apples
   In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well.
2. Simmer Slowly
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft.
3. Blend Smooth
   Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender carefully) and puree until smooth.
4. Thicken the Butter
   Return to low heat, uncover, and cook for another 20–30 minutes, stirring often, until the apple butter is thick and dark brown.
5. Finish with Vanilla
   Stir in vanilla extract and taste. Adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
6. Cool & Store
   Let cool completely before storing in jars. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

Ways to Enjoy Maple Apple Butter

• Spread on buttermilk biscuits or sourdough bread.
• Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
• Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Use as a filling for cakes, muffins, or quick breads.
• Brush onto pork or chicken as a flavorful glaze.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Homemade Caramel Sauce – Rich and buttery, perfect for fall treats.
• Salted Caramel Apple Butter – Another cozy apple spread variation.
• Caramel Apple Waffles – The slow cooker version for hands-off cooking.
• Sweet Potato Rounds with Parmesan & Rosemary – A savory fall side dish.

This Maple Apple Butter is fall in a jar—sweet, spiced, and full of cozy flavor.

The maple syrup adds a deep richness that pairs beautifully with apples, making it the perfect seasonal spread.

Whether you enjoy it at breakfast, baked into desserts, or gifted in little jars during the holidays, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table.